On January 13, Cravin Haven, a new fast casual restaurant will open in Fair Haven. Cravin Haven is the creation of local Fair Haven residents: Anthony Mazzucca, formerly chef at Val’s Tavern, Rumson; Michael Mazzucca, owner of several successful Five Guys franchises in North Jersey; Matt Jones, Managing Director of Food Services Ireland, and his wife, Elaine, former manager of the Playwright Tavern, New York. Cravin Haven will offer customized, oversized sandwiches and comfort food using the freshest ingredients and innovative flavors.

“Fair Haven has restaurants at all ends of the dining spectrum from delis to sit down restaurants. But we realized that there really isn’t any place in town – or in the Two Rivers area – that serves just specialty sandwiches where you can eat in or take out,” said Anthony Mazzucca, who will be the chef at Cravin Haven. “As a father of six boys, I know that we’re often running in so many directions that there’s not time for a sit down, homemade dinner. Having a freshly made, nutritious, protein-packed meal is so important, especially when kids are playing sports.”

The restaurant will offer seating for up to 40, as well as ample parking. Ideal for kids, families, sports teams and community groups, Cravin Haven will feature freshly made Goliath-sized sandwiches, burgers and dogs. The Jersey Eye Opener is a gigantic combo of bacon, pork roll and fried eggs with thick-cut fries and beer-battered onion rings, topped with melted cheese and gravy. The Brick Wall is a whopping premium burger, foot long hot dog and cheesesteak with bacon, mozzarella sticks and hot peppers and topped with marinara sauce, melted mozzarella cheese and horseradish sauce. Sandwiches will start at $8 and will be offered on three different size rolls.

Another unique feature will be the Cravin Fave signature sandwich where customers can create their own sandwich selecting from a multitude of fresh ingredients. Other specialty items will include chili, wings, chicken tenders, hand-cut fries, beer-battered onion rings and mac and cheese bites. The equally decadent desserts include deep fried Oreos, Twinkies and brownie bites.

“We were inspired by quintessential sandwiches like the Philly Cheesesteak, Pittsburgh’s Pirmanti Brothers sandwich and Memphis Pulled Pork and then added in a Jersey flare,” said Chef Mazzucca. “Whether it’s for lunch, dinner, a sporting event or a party, we hope people will be creative and help us build more Crave Faves based on their favorite ingredients.”

Cravin Haven, which also offers take-out service as well as prepared foods for parties (perfect for your Super Bowl party), will serve daily from 11:00 a.m.-8:00 p.m. The restaurant is located in the Acme Shopping Center on River Road in Fair Haven. For more information, visit Cravin Haven or Facebook.com/cravinhaven.

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Margaret was public relations director for two luxury New York City hotels, where she did extensive research into America's culinary heritage. She is a founding member of The James Beard Foundation. She is former proprietor of a Jersey shore inn and restaurant, The Pelican Bistro, recognized as one of the 10 Best New Restaurants in NJ by New Jersey Monthly. Currently a PR consultant, she specializes in lifestyle and culinary arts. Connect with her at TastefulLIving.net or mmorgan531@gmail.com.